Schools and settings can play a vital role in protecting girls from female genital mutilation (FGM) through identifying and protecting girls who are at risk of FGM.
A few facts about FGM
60,000 girls under 15 years of age are at risk of FGM in the UK.
FGM has a harmful effect on a woman's life.
FGM is a form of child abuse; violence against women and girls, as well as a violation of their human rights.
All registered professionals in England, regulated by professional bodies have a statutory responsibility to report FGM for under 18s to the police and safeguarding team.
It is illegal in the UK and cannot be justified as a cultural or religious practice and leaders of all the main faiths have spoken out against it.
Some activities which schools and settings can undertake to prevent FGM are:
Adding FGM to PSHE lessons.
Training staff to identify the children "at risk" of FGM and "have had FGM".
Circulating and displaying materials about FGM.
Displaying relevant information
Discussing FGM in the coffee morning.
Discussing FGM referral pathways and the mandatory reporting responsibility.
Additional Support
Useful documents
Preventing FGM - Support and Resources for Schools